Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
485. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if guidelines have been issued to schools with regard to the summer (July) provision scheme 2023; if not, the reason therefor; the timeframe for issuing guidelines to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22813/22]
View answer492. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the timeframe for the payment of teachers participating in the school-based summer (July) provision scheme 2023; the timeframe for the payment of teachers participating in the home-based summer (July) provision scheme 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22820/22]
View answer493. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the funding that has been allocated for the summer (July) provision scheme 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22821/22]
View answer494. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if enhanced measures have been put in place to encourage schools to offer the summer (July) provision scheme in 2023; the details of these enhanced measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22822/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 485, 492, 493 and 494 together.
The information in this response relates to the 2022 programme. Last week the Government announced an expanded summer programme to allow primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. An information pack has issued to all schools now, and an online registration portal for schools opened on 04 May 2022.
The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million.
The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups.
The programme aims are to support pupils to maintain their connection with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote wellbeing and for those who are at key transition stages, helping to ensure they continue their education journey in September either in school or in further/higher education or training.
The programmes on offer this summer include:
- Inclusion Programme (Primary) for all primary schools (2-3 weeks programmes) for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.
- Special Classes and Special School Programme in primary (2-5 weeks programmes)
- DEIS Numeracy and literacy Camps/Campaí Samhraidh in DEIS primary schools (one week per camp)
- Inclusion Programme (Post-Primary) for all post-primary schools (2 weeks) for students with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage
- Home based provision for students with complex needs where no school-based programme is available (4 weeks – 40 hours)
A key objective of this year’s scheme is to increase the number of schools offering the Summer Programme to their students. Steps have been taken to afford schools as much flexibility as possible, and to ease administrative requirements. This year there is provision to recruit newly qualified teachers graduating this summer as well as undergraduate student teachers who have registered with the Teaching Council under Route 5.
To support and facilitate schools and principals with organising and running the programme, the 2022 Summer Programme allows principals to delegate these functions to other members of staff through the Overseer role and preparation hours. The Overseer and preparation roles provide an exciting personal opportunity for teachers to develop their leadership skills and experience with recognition at a whole-school level.
Enhanced measures have been put in place to encourage participation of schools.
These include
- A Centralised Application Process to reduce admin burden on schools.
- Provision of funding to schools towards preparation and overseeing of the programmes.
- Provision to recruit final year student teachers graduating this summer and Route 5 undergraduate student teachers.
- Guidance, Information and support will be provided to schools to help design and deliver the programmes.
- Capitation Grant Funding will be provided to cover the running costs of the scheme including enhanced capitation for special schools and classes.
This year for the first time there will be an online claims system for schools to submit payments details for those staff taking part in the school based summer programme. This will provide for faster and more streamlined payments to staff. The Department is also working on improving the payment timelines for the home-based programme and further information will be issued on this in due course.
Through the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) the Department and Inspectorate recently hosted a webinar for special schools and provided a presentation on supports and benefits of running a school based summer programme including the positive outcomes for students that participated in the 2021 programme.
